The Most Powerful Women Event Celebrates Leading With Generosity

A common cause drew revelers to City Winery on a warm August day: honoring women making strides in philanthropy and leadership. This year’s Most Powerful Women event, hosted by Nashville Post and Nfocus, raised a glass to those generously giving their time, talent and treasure to create a stronger Nashville. 

The occasion served a dual purpose: heralding Nfocus’ Model Behavior issue — a tradition for more than 20 years — and celebrating Nashville Post’s Most Powerful Women honorees. 

The energy of the cocktail reception was nothing short of electric. A sold-out crowd filled the space and visited interactive stations, like live event drawings and the Nfocus Portrait Studio, where revelers could get headshots taken. Honorees and their guests eagerly flipped through copies of Nfocus’ September issue and posed with large-scale magazine covers. 

During the VIP reception, Nfocus editor-in-chief Janet Kurtz and Nashville Post editor-in-chief Nicolle Praino led a heartfelt toast, honoring the outstanding women in the room.

But the true impact set in once guests found their seats for lunch. Janet took the stage to discuss Model Behavior’s legacy and recognize the late Martha Ingram, who embodied the spirit of the honor. Janet also introduced a video where each 2026 Model Behavior honoree shared their personal connection to the organization they represent. 

Then came the highly anticipated panel discussion. Moderator Deana Ivey, president and CEO of Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp, sat down for an insightful conversation with this year’s Most Powerful Women: Lindsey Cox, CEO of LaunchTN; Natalie Dickson, president and CEO of Tennessee Oncology; Kim James, executive director of Rotary Club of Nashville; and Ryan Wood, executive managing director of Colliers Nashville.

Honorees discussed how their definitions of power have evolved, what balance means to them and their philosophies for being effective leaders. They also cited the late Dolly Parton — who embodied the very sentiment of Model Behavior — as a source of philanthropic inspiration. 

Conversation flooded City Winery long after the panel ended, as guests discussed the honorees’ wise words.